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CAMBUSLANG BAPTIST CHURCH CENTENARY
1980
PREFACE
As one who, has not spent a lifetime in the Baptist Church, I have had to lean very heavily on others for this, essentially, very brief history of Cambuslang Baptist Church. I am very conscious of its limitations, as one cannot possibly compress into a few pages the happenings of a century. For those who can recall much more of the Church's history, I do ask their indulgence for any inaccuracies or omissions. In a publication of this nature, it is difficult to decide what to include and what to exclude.
The essential factor is that one has tried to outline the predominant features in the Church's history during the course of 100 years. Some may question the actual date of the Centenary, but I have gone on the fact that "Baptist Brethren" first met in 1880, although one must concede that formal constitution did not take place until 1881.
The main criterion has been to portray a Church which has been faithful in its Christian witness in Cambuslang, a Church which cares, and will go on caring for the community in which it is placed. It has been a privilege and an honour to have this work entrusted to me.
MATTHEW C. NICOL, M.P .S.
Cambuslang, Glasgow, G72 8NX.
"Count her every precious shrine;
Tell to after-ages, tell,
Fortified by power divine,
The Church can never fail."
Charles Wesley
Rev. Robert C. Hepburn, B.D., The Pastor (1980)
FORMATION OF A CHURCH
The first meeting of Baptists in Cambuslang took place on the 4th November 1880.
An extract from the first entry in the Church Minute Book reads,
"Gospel Hall, Main Street, Cambuslang. Nov. 4th 1880
A fellowship Prayer Meeting of Baptist Brethren was held here this evening. The Chairman requested that those present might express their individual opinions regarding our position as Baptists in Cambuslang, and what would be the best course to, adopt under the circumstances. It was the general opinion that we should have a fellowship meeting once a week and we take time to consider the matter further. It was agreed that we meet again next Thursday evening at 8 o'clock same place."
The Gospel Hall referred to above is still in existence as a Chinese Restaurant and has had a chequered career. It was known as the Argyle Hall and belonged to the publican whose premises were immediately underneath. Many years later this hall was leased to the Christian Brethren but their lease was withdrawn when there was a campaign locally to make Cambuslang a "dry" area. This in effect did take place and the publican assumed (wrongly) that the Brethren were the primary factor in this withdrawal of the sale of the liquor licence, hence his cancellation of their lease.
Progress had, however, taken place within the Baptist cause and it is mentioned in the Minute of 16th December 1880 that "there was some discussion regarding a Constitution in the event of our forming ourselves into a Church. It was unanimously agreed that we meet on Wednesday evening first, 22nd December in Bushey Hill School."
Extract from Minute of 2nd February 1881 held in SchooJ Room, Bushey Hill.
After some discussion regarding the matter, Mr George White proposed the following resolution:
"That we form ourselves into the nucleus of a Church with those Members of our Meeting who were already full members of other Baptist Churches previous to this, and that they admit others as Members of the said Church on examination."
The following constituted the nucleus of the Church:- Robert Young, George Miller, Peter Hutchison and Thomas Smith.
The undermentioned gave evidence of their Conversion and afterwards received the right hand of fellowship:- John B. Milne, William Gray, Robert Baird, James D. Cowie, George White, Daniel Stewart (all. baptised), David Stewart, William Butters (to undergo the ordinance).
Later in the same month 26 persons submitted their names to a "Summary of Principles" setting out the basis of belief and practice of the newly formed Church. This was stated as under,
"We, whose names are hereunto subscribed, having previously been in fellowship with various Christian Churches, desire to unite, and do noW unite together as a Church of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
It is our purpose through Divine Help to meet together on the first day of the week for Christian work and learning, to hold forth the Word of Love in this neighbourhood, to maintain the ministry of the Gospel, to exercise fraternal care toward one another; to seek the conversion of sinners and the reviving, elevation and strengthening of the Divine Life in believers, and to do whatever work the Lord may lay to our hand for the advancement of His cause and the glory of His name.
"We receive the Word of God given through the medium of holy men who spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, and contained in the Old and New Testaments as able to make us wise unto salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, and as the authoritative standard in all matters of Christian faith and practice.
"'Without binding one another to forms of expression, we declare our unfeigned and cordial belief of the doctrine of grace taught in scripture and properly named Evangelical.
"We have been led by the Holy Spirit (as we believe) inwardly to know our guilt, defilement and helplessness in the sight of God, and to trust for Salvation entirely and solely to His free Grace manifested through the Lord Jesus Christ His Son, who of Him is made unto us wisdom, righteousness and sanctification and redemption; and we hope to be strengthened,, comforted and kept unto the day of Christ by the same Spirit dwelling in us; and to maintain such conversation as becometh the Gospel.
"We believe in the perpetuity of Baptism and the Lord's Supper. (AIthough not all of the same mind as to the mode of observing these ordnances, we do not regard the difference as a bar to our Christian fellowship). As a Church, we purpose to receive to both ordinances only believers. Having some grateful and joyful assurance of our union to the Lord Jesus Christ and sonship in the divine family, we do now, after prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, solemnly subscribe to the resolution to walk together in Christian Communion as be cometh saints, trusting in the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord."
Subscribers to "Summary of Principles"
ROBERT YOUNG by certificate from N. Frederick St Baptist Church.
ELIZA ANDREWS nee YOUNG by statement of conversion. (Also certificate from John St Church.)
THOMAS SMITH by certificate from Wishaw Baptist Church.
JANE SMITH by certificate from Wishaw Baptist Church.
ROBERT BAIRD by relating conversion.
MAGGIE W. BAIRD by relating conversion.
JOHN ANDERSON by relating conversion.
ISABELLA ANDERSON by relating conversion.
THOMAS MILLER by certificate from Adelaide Place Baptist Church.
JANE MILLER by certificate from Adelaide Place Baptist Church.
DAVID STEWART by relating conversion.
PETER HUTCHISON by certificate from John Knox St Baptist Church.
MARY J. HUTCHISON by certificate from John Knox St Baptist Church.
GEORGE WHYTE by relating conversion.
MARGARET H. WHYTE by relating conversion.
JAMES D. COWIE by relating conversion.
FLORA COWIE by relating conversion.
JOHN KIRKWOOD by relating conversion.
EBENEZER MACKINTOSH by certificate from Adelaide Place Baptist Church.
JANE MACKINTOSH by certificate from Adelaide Place Baptist Church.
JOHN B. MILNE by relating conversion.
WILLIAM GRAY by relating conversion.
PETER KING by relating conversion.
JAMES WARD by relating conversion.
ALEX CONNACHER by relating conversion.
DANIEL STEW ART by relating conversion. (Also certificate from Cambuslang Congregational Church).
PASTORAL LEADERSHIP
The first pastor was Mr Robertson, his term of service being from 1881-1883. His health broke down and he was followed by the Rev. D. Lewis who came from Rhyl. It has been said that his ministry led to a number of young men committing their lives to service in the home ministry and also on the mission field. He assumed the pastorate in 1886 and closed it in 1892.
He was followed by the Rev. A. A. Milne (1892-1900). Mr Milne came to the Church from Peterhead. It was during his ministry that the present Church building was completed. It is interesting to note that it Was referred to at that time as the "New Bapist Chapel, Cambuslang" and Was opened on 12th May, 1895.
The original building cost £2,500 and was paid partly by subscription shares of ONE SHILLING. A reproduction of one of these shares is shown opposite. The history is indebted to Mr Wm. C. Graham as it is the only one known to be extant.
It is significant to note that the Rev. A. A. Milne and his wife celebrated their Golden Wedding in Cambuslang Baptist Church on 27th October 1936.
In 1900 Mr Milne was followed by the Rev. A. H. Sutherland who was pastor until 1905. He in turn was succeeded by the Rev. Robert Clark who had a fruitful pastorate for four years when he resigned from the ministry in 1909. In the same year the Rev. John MacBeath, M.A. was invited to come from St Andrews and lead the Church in Cambuslang. His years of ministry would probably be considered the halcyon years of the Church here. His ministry lasted from 1909-1921 which embraced the years immediately before and after the First World War. This was a difficult period, but Church membership increased to over 400 and the vision of the Church was widened under his leadership to such an extent that it had a leading place within the denomination.
One Shilling Share
Rev. A. A. Milne and Mrs Milne at their Golden Wedding in the Baptist Church, Cambuslang,
27th October 1936.
In the Cambuslang Baptist Church "Occasional Record" of October 1915 (the equivalent of the present "NEWS") it is stated that "Mr MacBeath goes to France this month to serve among the troops. He goes under Y. M.C. A. auspices and he is grateful that the generosity of the church makes It possible to render this direct and voluntary service at a time when every available man is wanted for the national cause. For the work that he goes to do the whole congregation should be one Fellowship of Prayer."
On Sunday 29th December 1918 he preached a Memorial Service in "Affectionate Remembrance of our men from the Church and Bible Class who were faithful unto death for our nation's righteous cause in the Great War 1914-1918." This Roll of Honour is displayed in the present Memorial Halls.
The Rev. John MacBeath (subsequently Dr John MacBeath) was succeeded by the Rev. J. O. Hagger, B.D. from Middlesbrough who was minister from 1923-1928. His successor was the Rev. D. Gunn Sutherland who served the Church from 1929-1936.
A newspaper cutting c.1935 described Mr Sutherland as one of the outstanding expository preachers in Scotland, his services being much in demand in evangelical circles and at conventions for the deepening of spiritual life. During his ministry the Memorial Halls were built at a cost of £4,500 to provide additional accommodation for the numbers of young persons connected with the Church. Another building was also rented in Silverbanks for mission work in that area and during his ministry between £2,500 and £3,000 were raised for missionary work. The Rev. D. Gunn Sutherland was also a Gaelic speaker and translated a well-known carol which appears in the present Baptist Hymn Book (1963 Edition) under the title of "Child in the Manger". This carol was written in Gaelic by Mary Macdonald of Bunessan Baptist Church over a century ago. In recent times a full copy of Mr Sutherland's translation was provided by the Rev. A. T. Peck, B.Sc. The translation of all seven verses from Gaelic into English was considered by the late Rev. Edward Campbell of Bellshill Baptist Church to be a more accurate translation than the one appearing in our hymn book. Many will remember that Mr Campbell who "had the Gaelic" was a regular preacher on the B..B.C.'s Gaelic broadcast services.
This translation is reproduced below
INFANT OF WONDER (LEANABH AN AIGH)
Infant of wonder, Child of the Virgin,
Born in a stable -Nature's King
Down to this desert coming to suffer;
Happy who closely to Him cling.
Bethlehem's city echoes the tidings,
Sweeter than music's trembling-chords;
Armies of angels, hosts of the Highest,
Loudly are lauding God, the Lord.
Lowly, submissiv~, He who appeareth,
Who can His wondro1.ls worth declare?
Crude is His cradle, Babe on the bosom,
Humble His welcome, Heaven's heir.
Scions of kings though greeted with grandeur, Festal rejoicings -vain display;
Swift ebbs their life's stream, strength quickly waneth, Beauty and form in dust decay.
Not thus the Lamb who came to redeem us, Spotless and holy, strong to save;
Death could not hold Him, Victor behold Him, Rising triumphant from the grave.
High now in heaven, 10 He appeareth,
Mansions of splendour for His own;
Whom he hath purchased, them He hath promised, Ne'er to forsake or leave alone.
Infant of. wonder, theme of the prophets,
Angels adoring, see the King;
Worthy of love is He and of honour,
The Rev. D. Gunn Sutherland was succeeded by the Rev. R. H. Roberts who was a Welshman. He served in the pastorate from 1936-1948.
His successor was the Rev. G. L. McNeill, M.A. who was minister until 1958 when he emigrated to Canada with his wife and three sons. Both Mr & Mrs McNeill have re-visited the Church from time to time and he exercises a fruitful ministry in the country of his adoption.
Mr McNeill's successor was the Rev. Alfred T. Peck, B.Sc. Mr Peck came to Cambuslang from Blenheim Baptist Church in Leeds. He had originally started, a career in industry working with Rolls Royce in Derby, but subsequently felt the call of God to the ministry. His ministry was the longest of all who served the church and lasted from 1960 until 1975 when he left to go to the Church in Helensburgh.
Following the longest ministry, there then ensued the longest vacancy which was terminated by the induction in September 1979 of the present pastor, the Rev. R. C. Hepburn, B..D., formerly of Whytes Causeway Baptist Church, Kirkcaldy.
CHURCH BUILDING
Like all other organisations, the Church members felt that they would like a building of their own. The details regarding the preparatory work prior to building are a bit obscure. However, with a bit of sifting through the Church minutes, it is possible to piece together the various stages of the work.
The first mention of a new Church building is in the minute of 16th September 1891. This apparently had been a special Business meeting convened at the close of the weekly Prayer Meeting. At this meeting Mr A. L. Miller (the architect of the Church) submitted plans and sketches to the members present. Mr Miller explained that his estimate of the cost would be £1,000-£1,200. After several remarks and comments by Mr Miller, the members thanked him sincerely for his services and Mr Miller left the meeting.
In the minute of 9th March. 1892 it is recorded that Mr Lewis (the pastor of the Church) read a letter which he ha received from Mr Jamieson, the Duke of Hamilton's Commissioner in Edinburgh regarding a site for a new Church. The substance of this letter was that ground was normally charged at the rate of 2/6d per Pole, but in view of the object to which the site was to be used, he would be disposed to let them have the ground for 1/- per Pole so long as the place was used for Church purposes. At that meeting, the Building Committee was instructed to proceed with the purchase of the land, it being reckoned that t acre would be sufficient. (A Pole was 5 and a half yards).
At this point a member rose and put a motion to the Church that a committee be appointed to consider the whole matter, viz. an "Iron Church" versus a "Stone Church". This motion was duly seconded, but before a vote took place, another member put forward an amendment to the effect that they should proceed with a "Stone Church". This apparently generated a heated discussion and eventually six members rose and left the meeting. The amendment was put first to the meeting and then the motion. The amendment was carried by a small majority. It was indicated that five out of forty-one present remained neutral. It was agreed to adjourn the meeting for two weeks.
At the re-constitution of me adjourned meeting, the member who had previously suggested an "Iron Church" now suggested that a new Church was not required at all and that the Argyle Hall accommodation Was adequate for their purposes! Another member proposed proceeding with the Stone Church and this being duly seconded and voted upon, a committee was formed to enquire about plans and specifications and to make arrangements to raise funds.
Unfortunately there are no records of this Building Committee's meetings and from Church minutes it is difficult to determine things in chronological order. However, in due course the stone building was erected and it is indeed fortunate that a photograph of the building in the course of construction exists. It has been assumed that this was the laying of the foundation stone and many will not be aware that there is a stone above the main door entrance with the year 1891 embossed on the stonework. As has already been stated the Church was o,pened on 12th May 1895 so that the approximate time for construction was 4-5 years.
It will be noticed that in the immediate background of the Church is a little white house. This, it. is understood, was a dairy in those days. In the right-hand background there are only two houses which form the line of the present Brownside Road. These two buildings are "Davaar House" and "Chestnut Hill". At that time there was no Kirkhill railway line as this was not laid until after the turn of this century, in 1904.
Memorial Hall
During the ministry of the Rev. D. Gunn Sutherland work on the building of the Memorial Hall commenced in 1929 and the Foundation Stone was laid by the Rev. Dr John MacBeath on 15th March 1930, and by Mr Andrew Clark,.J.P., who had much to do with the erecting of the Church. At that ceremony Dr MacBeath was presented with a silver trowel to mark the occasion. Designed by Mr J. G. Aitchison, F.S.I., to match the Church, the new building cost £4,360, £3,360 of which was collected or promised before the date of opening.
In 1965 Dr MacBeath offered to return the silver trowel to the Church on the occasion of the Church's anniversary. In accepting his kind offer the Church Secretary, Mr J. Mcilwraith requested that Dr MacBeath also send a tape recorded message which could be played at the Anniversary Social. This tape is still in the possession of the Church and the following is the transcript.
“My dear Friends,
It is a privilege to share with you the 84th Anniversary of the Cambuslang Baptist Church. For some time I have been reviewing the treasures of the past. We come in the succession of a great and noble heritage.
I have a treasure which is not mine but yours. It is a Silver Trowel which I received from the congregation of this Church when I laid a foundation stone for the new halls to be erected in memory of the gallant men who gave their lives in the war years between 1914 and 1918.
My conviction is that this gift should now belong to the Church for which our comrades gave their lives. It was my privilege to serve on two fronts where I was chiefly on Ambulance Service. In the month of March 1930 the stone laying celebration took place, and the Silver Trowel was presented to me.
I have prized this precious gift. But now, in the fullness of time I present this Trowel to the custody of your people, in memory of the young men of this Church and community who, shared the devotion of those who survived the conflict. This is the heritage of the future. To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die. People are never really dead so long as they are remembered.
When I read the names of the gallant dead, I recall their eager enterprise in business, in sport, in friendship, in faith, in loyalty to the best they knew. They served in sixteen various units of the line. Their choice of service was their own. Here is the spirit of one of them;
I gave a limb in my country's cause,
I am marked until I die,
Much more would I give to bring back peace
And banish the battle cry.
They were battle brave, but they were not men of strife and bitterness of spirit. In one of the happiest homes of our acquaintance there grew a lad of upright life. He was endowed with gift of mind and quality of disposition that gave promise of a bright and useful career: He reached his eighteenth year amid the surge of the Great War. His enlistment, training, and death followed in swift and tragic succession. From the battlefront he never once returned. He was one of us.
But now we have a heritage to cherish. The future is before us. What shall we make of it? We have a heritage of immeasurable value. How shall we share and shape the future? Here is the formidable choice. The world we live in has its opportunity and its challenge. Here is the Divine Counsel, "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness." You can never make a mistake here.”
The Rev; John MacBeath died two years later on 3rd May, 1967 aged 87 years. The funeral took place from Haven Green Baptist Church, Ealing, London of which he was Pastor Emeritus. His brother the Rev. Andrew G. W. MacBeath, M.A., B.D" a former Principal of the Bible Training Institute in Glasgow took part.
CHURCH ORGANISATIONS
Sunday School
The Sunday School, founded in 1882, is an essential part of the work of the Church and is in direct response to, Proverbs 22:6. "Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
In its heyday, around the end of World War I, attendance approached the 300 mark.
At the present time it falls into five categories:
Beginners -3-5 years
Primary -5-8 years
Juniors -8-.11 years
Young People -12-15 years
Minister's Bible Class -15 years plus.
Christian Endeavour
It is understood that this organisation was founded in Cambuslang Baptist Church c.1907. An Intermediate section was formed in 1926 by the late Miss Janet Hunter. Many older members still speak reverentially of the training given by this dedicated woman. It is significant to note that Miss Elma Graham, a niece of the above-named lady is presently responsible for the Junior C.E., which is the only section which exists at the time of writing. At its Senior level, members were prepared for Public duties and Christian Service.
Flower and Sick Aid Mission
Apart from the Sunday School, this is the next oldest organisation in the Church. The visitation of the sick week by week with a gift of flowers and a Scripture text attached has been a blessing to countless numbers throughout the years. This service has been carried on silently over decades by successive bands of dedicated helpers. Eternity alone will reveal the lives that have been touched by this service.
Women's Auxiliary
The Women's Auxiliary was formed in 1910 and was initiated in the Church by, Mrs John MacBeath shortly after. This organisation has flourished over the years and has never failed to attract devoted and gifted women who have given themselves whole-heartedly to the service of the Church. They have an attractive syllabus each year, meeting only during the winter months. They are well described by their motto – BY LOVE SERVE ONE ANOTHER.
Scouts
Extract from the minute of Church meeting on 7th September 1921.
Rev. John MacBeath presided. It was agreed to start a Boy Scout Corps for boys from 12-18 years under the charge of Scoutmaster Wm. Wilkins who spoke in favour of the movement.
Baptist Scripture Union Shield. Front row left to right: Mr John Thomson, George Sutherland, Miss Nan McPhee, Rev. John MacBeath, Thomas Reid, Mr Burton, Wm. Bowie. Perhaps there are others you ,an recognise.
Flower and Sick Aid Mission at the turn of the century c. 1904-5. Couple in centre front row is the Rev.. H. A. H. Sutherland and his wife. Pretty hats and pretty basket!
Extract from the minute of Church Annual Business meeting of 11th January 1922.
Rev. John MacBeath presided.
Troop was formed on 30th September 1921 and is registered as 59th Glasgow Troop of B.P. Scouts, sub-titled 2nd Cambuslang.. 25 boys enrolled the first night and the roll now numbers 32. This organisation went from strength to strength for a considerable number of years and many present members were active participants in it. Unfortunately, in recent years the numbers declined quite dramatically to such an extent that the group has ceased to function.
Girls' Brigade
The present Girls' Brigade stemmed from what was formerly the Girls' Guildry. Its present title is 4th CAMBUSLANG GIRLS' BRIGADE.
A Girls' Guildry existed in the Church in the 1920s but was disbanded for unknown reasons after a relatively short time.
During the Second World War young people were encouraged to be members of youth organisations and a club was started by Mrs Edith Maxwell and directed by her with the assistance of Miss Agnes Paton who was at that time Cub Leader. This Club served a very useful purpose, but after the War it was felt that a uniformed organisation with some spiritual background should replace it. This matter was brought before the Church with the result that the present Company Was formed ill 1947 as a Girls' Guildry under the leadership of Miss Agnes Brown who was succeeded by Miss Irene Dooner until 1950 when the present Captain, Miss C. Brown, assumed leadership.
In 1961 it was apparent that changes were envisaged. Three organisations, viz The Girls' Guildry, the Girls' Life Brigade and the Girls' Brigade of Ireland, all claiming sistership of the Boys' Brigade, planned to merge. This union was completed in 1965 and the combined girls' organisations became known as the "GIRLS' BRIGADE." All three organisations' badges were incorporated in the new badge with the addition of a "TORCH" symbolising the flame of Christ's Living Spirit and devotion to Him.
The Motto:
SEEK, SERVE AND FOLLOW CHRIST.
The Aim:
TO HELP GIRLS TO BECOME FOLLOWERS OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AND THROUGH SELF CONTROL, REVERENCE AND A SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY TO FIND TRUE ENRICHMENT OF LIFE.
The badge work encompasses four sections - Spiritual, Physical, Educational and Service. National competitions are held each year and the above Company has had a considerable amount of success. In the years 1963-1966 they won the "Scottish Country Dancing Shield"; in 1964 they won the "Singing Games Trophy"; in 1965, 1966 and 1968 the "Bible Trophy", and ill the latter year also the "Floral Art Trophy". In 1971 they won the "Choir Singing Shield" and the "National Dancing Trophy".
During the last few years not so much competitive work has been attempted, but all the girls have sat the Bible examination appropriate to their sections and results have been of a very high standard.Since 1966, sixteen girls have gained the "Queen's Award Brooch", the highest award of the Girls' Brigade.
In 1963 itwas felt in the Company that it was becoming difficult to retain girls on reaching the age of 14. To encourage them to stay on, it was decided to add the "Duke of Edinburgh Award" scheme to the programme. This proved to be a wise decision. To date the Company has achieved 26 Gold Awards, (5 of the present officers hold this award) and 12 Silver Awards. 'Those who attain the Gold Award have the honour of having it presented to them in Holyrood Palace by H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh. At the time of writing, two girls are working for the Gold Award, three for the Silver and four for the Bronze.
The older girls give service to the community in many ways. They work in Children's Homes, in homes for the elderly, in hospitals and they visit those who are shut-in at home.
Special efforts have been a feature of the Girls' Brigade:
1974 -£170 to Spina Bifida Association
1975 -£100 to the Church
1977 -£110 to the Church
1978 -£600 for Kidney Research
1979 -£500 to buy and train a guide dog for the Blind
It is understood also that shortly they will donate £500 to the Church for the improvement of the Central Heating system in the Church building ...quite a remarkable evidence of sacrificial effort on the part of the girls.
The annual camp is a popular feature of the Girls' Brigade. In 1968 a group of their counterparts in Denmark joined with them in camp at Stonehaven. The following year 20 of the Company joined their friends in Denmark. In 1972 their Silver Jubilee was celebrated in the Church Hall, when many former members renewed old friendships.
Over the years a number of the girls have committed their lives to Christ, have been baptised and become members of the Church.. These are the potential leaders who, willcarry on the tradition of the Girls' Brigade.
CHURCH OFFICE BEARERS SINCE 1881
TREASURERS
Mr Thomas Millar
Mr Robert Baird
Mr Alex Connagher
Mr Peter Turner
Mr Tom Braidwood
MrMr John Paton
Mr Thomas Reid
Mr R. W. Andrews
Mr Charles R. Maxwell
Mr Kenneth A. Ross, C.A. (Present Treasurer)
SECRETARIES
Mr John B. Milne
Mr James D. Cowie
Mr Samuel Mitchell
Mr Wm. Stewart, C.A.
Mr Frank Ramsay
Mr GeorgeMartin
Mr Gilbert Coats
Mr John McCracken
Mr James McIlwraith (Present Secretary)
ORGANISTS
Mrs John Paton
Mr James Whyte, M.A. (Hons).
Miss Edith Paton
Mr Andrew Jardine
Mr Thomas Reid
Mr Robert Jamieson, A.L.C.M.
Mrs Mary B. Ferguson, L.R.A.M. (Present Organist)
PASTORS
Mr David Robertson................................................... 1881-83
Rev. John Johnstone................................................... 1883-85
Rev. David Lewis....................................................... 1886-92
Rev. A. A. Milne........................................................ 1892-1900
Rev. A. H. Sutherland................................................. 1900-05
Rev. Robert Clark...................................................... 1905-09
Rev. John MacBeath, M.A............................................. 1909-22
Rev. J. O. Hagger, BD................................................ 1923-28
Rev. D. Gunn Sutherland............................................... 1929-36
Rev. R. H. Roberts..................................................... 1936-48
Rev. G. L. McNeil, M.A............................................. 1948-58
Rev. A. T. Peck, B.Sc................................................ 1960-75
Rev. R. C. Hepburn, B.D............................................ 1979
MEMBERS WHO BECAME MINISTERS
Rev. W. B. Frame Rev. I. Scott, Church of Scotland
Rev. B. Bridges Rev. R. M. Armstrong, M.A.
Rev. John Mitchell, M.A. Rev. Wm. Marshall, M.A.
Rev. D. McDiarmid Rev. G. B. Mossman, B.A.
Rev. David S. Russell, Rev. Wm. Freel, B.D.
M.A., BD., D. Litt.
MEMBERS WHO SERVED AS MISSIONARIES
Rev. W. B. Frame Mrs Edith Forsyth (nee Paton)
Mr Eric Fischbacher Mrs Isobel Nairn (nee Paton)
Mr Theo Fishbacher Miss Mary Baldock
Miss Lily Fischbacher
THE FINAL WORD
"OORSELLS AS ITHERS SEE US"
Scene -Main Street, Corner of Greenlees Road, Cambuslang
Time -Sunday at 5.10pm
Weel, Tammas, ye're takin' yer danner.
Aye, William, jisr watchin' thae young folk comin' doon the road. Whaur'll they be frae?
Oh, that's the Bible Cless frae the Baptist Kirk skailin'.
Ye tell me; they've shairly a guid cless.
Aye, wi' a' their fauts, they're gey hard workers. I could be daen wi' them fine masel if rhey werna sae michty consated.
I've thocht that tae. Two-three nichts I stood at the Square an' listened tae yon big bauld-heeded chap frae Brownside Road preachin'.
Man, he was awfu' dogmatic.
Aye, but they say rheumaticky folk are aye dogmaticky.
Weel, I dinna ken; but they're gey suir they're a' gaun tae heaven, an' they're aye speirin' if you're gaun tae. They're awfu' nerra an aye finnin' faut wi' the ice-cream shops an' the picter-hooses. They're awfu' impident tae, ye ken. Yon nicht I wis comin' oot O' Eadie's I ran agin yon wee fella frae rhe Co' an' sez he:- "Man, Wullie, that's no the road tae heaven." "I never said it wis," wis a' I could blurt oot.
I ken fine, Wullie. Ae day in the caur I said tae you quate joiner chiel wha bides in Bridge Street:- "I'm suir we're telt tae wark oot oor ain salvation," and sez he: "Jisr that, Tammas, but ye're tryin' tae wark oot what ye hinna got," and he quoted Scriptur tae me aboot "He which hath begun a good work in you."
Aye, that's it. It's a wunner tae me that they manage tae get folk tae gang tae their kirk; it's gey weel attendit, an' the maisr O' them turn oat on Sunday as if ther wis something guid gaun, but preachin' widna suit you or me, Tammas.
Na, Wullie. I gaed up wi' Jean's guid-brither ae dayan' the minister preached first tae the saints and then tae the sinners, but had never a word for a daecent body like masel, that's naether yin nor th' ither. Their minister's a nice laud an' weel likit, but he's unca strong on the water business. He's consistent, tae; he's a nerra as the edge 0' a razor on the drink.
But he's a daecent sort for a' that. When oar Jean Was bad, he tam' in twa-three times to speir for her. Ye see, Jean's faither used tae gang tae Argyle Hall when they met there afore they were a kirk.
Aye, an' the young yins is the verra same. I ave see them gaun doon the streers wi' bunches 0' floors, an' they visit heaps O' folks that dinna gang tae their kirk at a'; mair'n the ither kirks'll dae.. I'm thinkin' they're no sae bad, an' I'm suir the ither kirks are beginnin' tae recognize them.
(Jottings from an unknown source, 1917)
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